Aoki Lee Simmons has announced that she will likely retire from modeling after constant criticism of her appearance and constant comparisons to her supermodel mother Kimora Lee Simmons.
In a recent video, the 22-year-old expressed her frustration, revealing that she is often told she is “not pretty enough” to succeed in modeling and is often measured against her mother.
“I think I’ll probably be done with modeling soon,” Aoki said per TMZ on Sunday.
“I’m tired of hearing, ‘No, you’re not pretty enough,’” she said. ‘It always feels like one big comparison. I understand that. My mother will always be a much better model than me, but it’s annoying to hear that sometimes.’
Aoki went on to describe the modeling world as “a tough industry.” Although she plans to “finish strong,” as her mother always advised, she is already looking beyond the runway and aiming for a career in government.
Aoki Lee Simmons has announced that she will likely retire from modeling after constant criticism of her appearance and constant comparisons to her supermodel mother Kimora Lee Simmons; (Aoki pictured 202)
In a recent video, the 22-year-old expressed her frustration, revealing that she is often told she is “not pretty enough” to succeed in modeling and is often measured against her mother; (photo 2023)
‘I don’t need a coach, I’m a good model. It’s just a tough industry,” she said. ‘I think I’ll go back to work for the government, because that’s what I did my studies for.’
Aoki’s mother Kimora began her modeling career at the age of 14 and quickly gained recognition as one of the first black models to achieve significant success on the runway, walking for top designers such as Chanel and Valentino.
In 1998, she married music mogul Russell Simmons, and together they welcomed their first daughter, Ming, before Kimora gave birth to their second daughter, Aoki, in 2003.
After their divorce in 2009, Kimora turned to entrepreneurship, co-founding the Baby Phat brand and maintaining a close co-parenting relationship with Russell.
Aoki had done that before spoke exclusively to DailyMail.com about her modeling gig with BCBG New York.
“My goal is to learn and grow as I navigate my own path through this business, and have fun doing it,” she said at the time.
When asked how Mom inspired her, she replied, “Let me count the ways!” Honestly, there are so many things I look up to her for, but if I had to pick one, it might be her ability to be self-reliant.
“She has the confidence that even if she doesn’t know the answer to something right now, she knows how to solve it. That’s inspiring.’
About plans to start designing one day, she said: “Never say never, but maybe not yet.”
“I’m tired of hearing over and over again, ‘No, you’re not pretty enough,’” Aoki told TMZ on Sunday. ‘It always feels like one big comparison. I understand that. My mother will always be a much better model than me, but it’s annoying to hear that sometimes’; (photo 2023)
Aoki went on to describe the modeling world as “a tough industry.” Although she plans to “finish strong,” as her mother always advised, she is already looking beyond the runway and aiming for a career in government; (photo 2022)
Aoki’s modeling career comes after her split from her boyfriend, 65-year-old restaurateur Vittorio Assaf, earlier this year.
At the time, Kimora expressed her shame over Aoki’s brief romance with Vittorio, emphasizing that the relationship was not serious.
She suggested that Aoki may have been “set up” due to the significant age difference.
“She’s a young, beautiful girl and we don’t think the toads we kiss will be aired,” she explained. TMZ.
“Personally, I feel like she’s been framed, and that’s why I’m trying [warn] my girls. There’s definitely an age dynamic and I just feel like she’s been kind of trapped,” she added
Russell also weighed in, saying he wouldn’t criticize Aoki’s decisions, while Kimora emphasized her role as a loving mother: “All I can do is offer my advice and unconditional love.”
Photos of Vittorio (L), owner of Aoki and Serafina Restaurant Group, packing on the PDA in the Caribbean hit the Internet on April 6
After the photos came out, Aoki’s father Russell (seen with Kimora, a toddler Aoki and her sister Ming in 2005) spoke about the coupling to TMZ, saying: ‘I’m not going to kick and scream about her choices’
He added: ‘I’m not going to scream and shout about her choices.’
Photos of Aoki and Vittorio surfaced online on April 6, but reports soon followed that the relationship had ended, with a source confirming: “It’s 100 percent done.”
Furthermore, claims that Aoki was materialistic were dismissed by sources close to her, who described her as someone who does not care for luxury items and characterized her as “more of a nerd.”
Meanwhile, insiders noted that Assaf, known for his charm, has a history of dating younger women, suggesting his preferences have remained unchanged as he ages.
